He therefore cautioned the public to desist from buying flashy-looking mobile handsets, which have very appealing features and functions but are cheaper than the original.

Mr Asare said this at a forum organised by Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications in Accra to educate the public on fake phones and how they hurt subscribers and the telecom industry.

He said fake phones affect the brand of the manufacturers leading to lost sales and low investment.

Mr Asare reiterated that fake phones leads to problems such as poor quality network, traffic on the network, failed call attempts, call drops as well as revenue loss on the part of telecom operators.

He said the use of fake phones can affect the country in terms of security, environmental and health problems since users would be compelled to change their batteries and housing several times due to its inferior quality.

Mr Asare urged phone users to buy their products from registered retailers and look for the features of the phones on the internet as well as its warranty to avoid health problems associated with the fake ones.

Major Emmanuel Owusu-Adansi (Rtd), Director of Special Project at the National Communication Authority said the forum was timely because it would educate the masses on dangers associated with fake phones since most of users are ignorant about its quality.

He said the authority was established to monitor the implementation of national communications standards and ensure compliance accordingly; formulate a strategic plan and grant communication licence.

Maj Owusu- Adansi said his outfit would ensure that all dealers of fake phones in the country are arrested and dealt with by the law.

He said the influx of counterfeit phones in the country is on the ascendency.